Kaitlin Olson, Kaitlin Olson High Potential [Image Source: SLASHFILM]
Kaitlin Olson, widely recognized for her roles in popular television series, nearly declined her leading part in ABC’s acclaimed series High Potential. The show, adapted from the French–Belgian series HPI, stars Olson as Morgan Gillory, a cleaning woman turned LAPD liaison with a remarkable photographic memory. Despite Olson’s initial reluctance, her agent convinced her to consider the role, which has since become a major success.
The Reluctance Behind Taking On High Potential
Olson’s hesitation to join High Potential stemmed from her existing commitments and the show’s format. At the time, she was enjoying balance in her life, working part of the year on the long-running comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and dedicating the rest of her time to family. She was also involved in the comedy-drama series Hacks, where she plays a supporting role as the daughter of co-lead Jean Smart.
Initially, Olson hoped to develop her own projects and preferred shorter, snappier 10-episode streaming series, which would allow her to continue her work on FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The prospect of committing to a network hour-long drama did not appeal to her. She explained,
“It wasn’t like a formal turning down, It’s just my agent had to really make me sit down and read it. I had ‘Sunny.’ I was enjoying working part of the year and then being a mom the other part of the year. So in my head, that was going to be a much different character from Dee, and I wanted to do a comedy/drama hybrid,”
Olson shared.
Despite her initial reservations, it was her agent’s persistence that encouraged Olson to reconsider. She admitted,
Image of: Kaitlin Olson
“So the idea of being on an hour-long drama on network television just wasn’t appealing. It took my agent saying, Okay, I understand that, but I’m not going to give up until you read it.’ And he was right. I fell in love with the character.”
This decision marked a turning point in her career, leading to one of her most notable roles outside her comedy terrain.
Further Insights from Kaitlin Olson on Her Decision to Join the Show
Olson recounted her near-rejection of High Potential during a conversation on the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. She recalled being initially uninterested when approached to discuss the project, stating,
“Drew Goddard wrote that script, and I was not interested when they came to me and wanted to have lunch. I was like, ‘ABC hour-long drama? No, thank you!’ And my agent was like, ‘No, you’re going to go have lunch with them.’”
Drew Goddard, known for his work on successful shows like The Good Place, is the creator behind High Potential.
The hesitation stemmed partly from Olson’s comfort and creative freedom on FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a show allowing its cast and creators to push boundaries without interference. She observed,
“I just had no interest in — first of all, working for a network. I am very spoiled on FX, They let us do whatever we want and say whatever we want, and I have a hard time with executives who aren’t creatives telling me what I can and can’t do.”
What ultimately changed Olson’s mind was the quality of Goddard’s writing. She confessed,
“I was very gun-shy. And then I read [Goddard’s] script and was like, ‘Oh, I think I’m in.’”
The compelling material convinced her that this role could be distinct from her previous work, blending drama and comedy in ways that resonated with her creative instincts.
The Rising Popularity of High Potential and Its Appeal
High Potential has quickly become a standout success for ABC since its premiere in September 2024. The series dominated viewership rankings for two consecutive weeks early in 2025, as reported by industry sources. This success places High Potential among the strongest offerings of the 2024 fall season alongside other hits such as Tracker.
The reasons behind the show’s broad appeal are multifaceted. Beyond an engaging storyline and strong production, Kaitlin Olson’s portrayal of Morgan Gillory connects deeply with audiences. Olson described her character as someone relatable and authentic, stating,
“A lot of people can relate to Morgan. It’s nice to see a person who might seem very put together but is a bit of a mess. Someone who is a really good mom but a f*** up in real life. She doesn’t take herself too seriously. She doesn’t flaunt the fact that she’s smart. It’s disarming. She’s just doing whatever she can to make it work and make sure her kids are good. Once you have kids, nothing else really matters. If they’re happy, you’re happy. That might have something to do with it.”
The character’s mix of intelligence, vulnerability, and maternal dedication gives the series emotional depth, making it resonate beyond the crime procedural elements. Morgan’s complexity helps drive the show’s unique tone, combining humor with dramatic tension.
What Lies Ahead for Kaitlin Olson and High Potential
With the strong reception of High Potential, Kaitlin Olson’s commitment to the series seems assured for the foreseeable future. The show’s combination of smart writing, compelling performances, and a nuanced lead character have secured its position as a hit in the competitive network television landscape. Fans of Olson’s work can now enjoy a fresh and dynamic facet of her talent, supported by a show that is streaming on Hulu.
This success might also influence Olson’s future career choices, potentially balancing her roles in edgy comedy with more dramatic parts that showcase her range. For viewers and industry watchers, the evolution of High Potential represents how adaptations can successfully cross cultural and language barriers while creating fresh stories tailored for new audiences. As the series builds on its momentum, it remains a significant highlight in ABC’s programming slate and a key project for Olson’s growing career portfolio.
